This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a yummy meal that’s ready in a flash! Tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and nutty pine nuts come together with tasty pesto for a dish you’ll love.
Honestly, who can resist that burst of flavor? Plus, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and delicious. I often whip this up to impress my friends! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bow tie pasta (farfalle) is great for this dish, but you can use any pasta you like! Try fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time as needed.
Chicken: Chicken breasts give a nice texture, but feel free to swap them for thighs if you prefer juicier meat. For a vegetarian option, try replacing the chicken with grilled zucchini or mushrooms!
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for the color, but any fresh tomato will work. If tomatoes are out of season, consider using sun-dried tomatoes for that rich flavor.
Pine Nuts: These add crunch, but if you’re allergic, sunflower seeds or slivered almonds are great substitutes. You could also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
Pesto: Store-bought basil pesto is convenient, but homemade is always better! If you’d like variations, try sun-dried tomato pesto or even a spinach-based pesto.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
The chicken needs careful cooking for the best flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and quicker preparation.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil and chicken. This helps to sear and lock in moisture.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Don’t forget to stir occasionally for even cooking!
- Check that chicken is no longer pink inside by cutting a piece. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F (75°C).
Following these steps will give you tender and juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz (225g) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow), halved
- ½ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, another 10 minutes for the pasta and tomatoes, and finally just a few minutes to combine everything. It’s a quick and delicious meal that fits perfectly into even the busiest of schedules!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Sautéing the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cooking the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes, placing them cut side down in the skillet. Let them cook without stirring for about 5 minutes, or until they start to char and blister nicely. This will bring out their sweet flavor!
4. Toasting the Pine Nuts:
In a small dry pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often until they turn golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly! Once toasted, remove them from the heat and set aside.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Resuming with your skillet, lower the heat. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet along with the basil pesto. Gently toss everything together until well combined and warmed through. You want that delicious pesto to coat every piece!
6. Serving:
Once everything is perfectly combined, serve the pasta warm. Top it off with the toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like. Enjoy this delightful dish that’s packed with flavor!
This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is sure to be a hit at your dinner table—a perfect blend of juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, delicious pesto, and crunchy pine nuts. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ About Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works great, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try substituting chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or a combination of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. These will add flavor and texture to your dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and chicken ahead of time! Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine everything with the pesto and warm it up. It’s a great meal for meal prep!
